asked the Minister for Education if he will endeavour, in consultation with the various interests concerned, to introduce uniformity in school holidays so that parents can effectively plan their holiday arrangements.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Holidays.
52.
The precise dates of school holidays are fixed by the individual school authorities. In general the post-primary schools close for summer holidays when the certificate examinations commence, i.e. about 10th June or so and reopen on the first Monday in September. Primary schools generally close on the first Friday in July and reopen on the first Monday in September.
There is, accordingly, in the normal way a period of at least seven weeks when all schools are closed and this period coincides with the peak holiday time.
Would the Minister not think it advisable that the children be on holidays during the month of June? We are encouraging holidays in that month.
There are a number of practical difficulties associated with what the Deputy is talking about. As I pointed out, the real holiday rush occurs at a time when primary and post-primary schools are closed.
Surely that is all the more reason why there should be earlier school holidays.